Go Visit Hawaii

Oahu’s largest heiau,a Hawaiian religious temple, is Puu O Mahuka. You’ll find this temple perched on a hill overlooking Waimea Bay on the North Shore. It’s definitely worth a 20 minute or so diversion from Highway 83 to visit it. Educational plaques are stationed by the heiau. This diversion is also worthy because of views. Here’s the video we shot of this site and views.

It is estimated that this temple was built in the 1600s. This heiau was probably used for religious services until the religious kapu (taboo) system was abolished by the Hawaiian ruler in 1819. Sacrifices were offered to the gods here. Traditionally, food offerings were presented to the gods, but it is reported that human sacrifices may have also been offered here. For more information on the history of this heiau, see this link.

Heiaus are constructed out of stacked stones. The overall shape of a heiau is usually rectangular. This two-page brochure shows a drawing of how Puu O Mahuka once looked.

Puu O Mahuka is managed under the Hawaii State Parks system and visiting this site is free. If you visit, please do not remove and/or stack any stones. Please also be respectful if you see someone worshiping here.

To get here, take Pupukea Road by the Foodland grocery store. Turn right on Puu o Mahuka. Ample parking is available.

When I first saw this sign several years ago on the Big Island,  I thought it was intended to be quirky and funny.  I didn’t take much notice of the actual warning.  Then one day on Oahu, I saw a car parked below a palm tree with an odd dent on the hood. I also noticed a coconut on the ground beside of the car. Then I realized that this sign that I had seen a few years earlier on the Big Island was meant to be more than quirky.

Now, please don’t be terrified of falling coconuts. There’s no need to pack a hard hat when you go to Hawaii. Though I know I write some wacky things here on this blog, I can assure you that my silliness is all natural and not caused from being knocked in the head with a falling coconut. I’ve never been hit by a coconut or seen anyone hit by a coconut.

You might want to be careful about where you park your rental car.  There might be a reason that shady spot is empty.  Sometimes, you can just take a look on the ground to see if there are remnants of coconuts playing hit the car. 

Do you have any falling coconut stories?  Please share it in the comments.

I have to smile every time I’m asked which island I call home in Hawaii. The funny thing is I don’t live in Hawaii and I never have. I’m just a frequent visitor who fell in love with Hawaii on my first vacation to Maui just over five years ago. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to have vacationed on all the islands and returned many times. Along the way, I have picked up many tips and tricks for travel to Hawaii that I share each day here.

So where do I live? Most people would guess on the West Coast since it’s quicker and easier to get to Hawaii from there, but I actually live on the East Coast - just about as far from Hawaii as you can get from the US Mainland. I live “on the island” of North Carolina in the beautiful capital city of Raleigh. So, hopefully you’ll forgive me from time to time if I accidentally say “Aloha, y’all!”

Sometimes I get asked if I’d like to move to Hawaii. While I love Hawaii dearly, I’m very happy to call North Carolina home. Hawaii is where I love to vacation. North Carolina is where I love to live.

Some may perceive that it is a weakness that I write about Hawaii travel and I don’t even live there. I believe it’s actually a big benefit to Go Visit Hawaii readers that I’m a visitor just you are. I understand all the challenges and confusion that come along with planning Hawaii vacations. I know what visitors like and what they don’t like. My articles are designed to be honest and practical advice for visiting Hawaii.

So now that you know what “island” I live on please tell me where you call home. I’d love to know where Go Visit Hawaii readers live. Please let me know in the comments.

July 8, 2008 Update: Points of Light has suspended operation of their ebay store for travel. For more information see this Q&A.
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A Go Visit Hawaii reader, Lindsay, recently wrote me to tell me about how she had purchased two roundtrip tickets for $780 on American Airlines. That’s a steal at $390 per person from the Midwest!

Now, you’ll probably never guess where Lindsay purchased these tickets. It wasn’t through the American Airlines, or a travel agency, or online discount agency like Travelocity. Are you ready for this? She purchased the tickets on ebay. That’s right, ebay! So, how did she do it? She was kind enough to give me to the scoop to share with you.

So, here’s the deal. There’s a non-profit organization called Points of Light that auctions tickets and vacation packages on ebay as a means for raising funds. Here’s a link to their ebay shop. They sell other items besides airline tickets and travel packages, so you may have to sift though random stuff to find the Hawaii travel related items for auction. Some travel items are available for “buy it now” and others are available for bid. At the moment, here just a sampling of the Hawaii airline tickets and packages that are up for auction:

• Buy It Now: 2 Roundtrip Coach Tickets from the West Coast - $900
• Buy It Now: 2 Roundtrip Coach Tickets from US and Canada - $1500
• For Bid: 2 Roundtrip Coach Tickets from US and Canada - current bid at $810
• For Bid: 4-Star Hotel and Coach Roundtrip Airfare for 2 to Kauai - current bid at $1,475.

Note that there are restrictions for each item for auction so make sure you know what they are before purchase or bid. Also, make sure you understand what additional taxes and fees may be required. Most tickets and packages have restrictions like a 7 or 14 day advance reservation and a Saturday night stay. Most tickets must be used within 12 months. From sifting through a few of them, it appears that it’s best if you have flexibility in your travel dates.

Though this ebay seller has an overall positive feedback rating (approximately 96%), they do have a some neutral and negative ratings. Make sure you shop with ebay wisely.

For frequent fliers, you’ll still earn travel miles with these tickets. That’s a great bonus.

A big mahalo to Lindsay for sharing this tip! What do you think of this way of purchasing discount tickets? Do you think it’s worth a try or are you scared? Have you purchased tickets or vacation packages from this ebay store? How did it work for you?

UPDATE: Did we flood their system? The day after I posted this tidbit, all the travel items were removed from the ebay store and this notice was posted:

Due to unexpectedly high volumes of summer travel, we have exceeded our capacity to handle new travel packages efficiently. We have temporarily suspended the sale of future travel until we can catch up with your demand.

There are two distinct types of hardened lava you’ll likely see in Hawaii - pahoehoe and a’a.  These are Hawaiian names that have been adopted universally for describing the two main types of lava. 

Pahoehoe (pronounced like “pah hoy hoy”) is a smooth lava produced when lava flows slowly and gently.  A’a (pronounced like “ah ah”) is a very rough and rugged lava that is produced when lave flows quickly.  Here are some photos that will help you distinguish the two types of lava.

This photo from my personal collection shows cooled pahoehoe:

The photo below shows a’a lava in action.  Notice the rough texture on top. It is believed that the name a’a came from the noises someone might make while walking over it in bare feet.  Maybe an alternative name should be ouch’ouch or ow’ow. (Photo use per Wikimedia Commons)

For more on lava, see this Wikipedia page.

Today, we continue the series of what to see on each Hawaiian island in one day. The Big Island is big indeed and there is so much to see. This island even has two major airports - one in Kona and one in Hilo. Since there are two major airports and since cruise ships usually have a day assigned to each side, we’re going to approach our one day itineraries in the same way. So, we’ll start with a visit to the Kona side of the Big Island.

As I’ve written these one day guides, I’ve tried to focus on the natural beauty of each island and what makes them unique. This one day sight-seeing plan from the Kona side for the Big Island will be no exception. The Kohala Coast and Hamakua Coast along the northern end of the Big Island is stunning with cliffs, lush green hills and valleys, and black sand beaches.

I’m going to suggest a big loop of sight-seeing with the first stop being at Waipio Valley (photo on the right). The earlier in the day that you visit this valley, the more likely you’ll avoid rain. So, that’s why I suggest you head straight there. Assuming you are starting from Kailua-Kona, I’d begin the day by driving towards Waimea and onwards toward Honokaa. I estimate it will take between 1 to 1.5 hour to get there from Kona. There are two ways to head towards Waimea - either via Highway 190 or Highway 19. To maximize what you see, I might suggest that you go on Highway 190 and return via Highway 19.

To get to Waipio Valley, you’ll turn on Highway 240 towards the historic sugarcane plantation town of Honokaa. Just follow Highway 240 until it ends at the Waipio Valley lookout. Admire the width and depth of this fertile valley. Notice the black sand beach, fishponds, and taro fields. The view of Waipio valley never fails to impress.

Hopping back in the car, you’ll have to backtrack to Honokaa. (If you have time, grab one of the most delicious frozen fruitsicles in Honokaa town.) You’ll get back onto Mamalahoa Highway (19) and head back towards Waimea. If it’s a clear day, occasionally take a glance over to the left to see if you can get a view of the top of Mauna Kea.

Once you get into Waimea, stay on Highway 19 until you get to the intersection of Highway 250. Take the Kohala Mountain Road (Highway 250) for a amazingly scenic drive near the top of the Kohala Mountain, an extinct volcano. The landscape here is very unique. You won’t see anything else like it in Hawaii. I would liken it to something you’d see in Ireland. (See the photo on the right.)

After you reach the end of Highway 250, you’ll be in another historic sugarcane plantation town, Hawi, at the intersection of Highway 270. Turn right onto 270 and follow it out of Hawi and over a few miles into the smaller town of Kapaau. On the right, between mile markers 23 and 24, you’ll see a really nice statue of King Kamehameha in front of the police department. Don’t stop or park along the right side of the street. Pull into the parking lot on the right immediately past the statue.

After seeing the statue, continue heading East on Highway 270 until the road ends at the beautiful Pololu Valley Lookout. (Photo on the right.) If you have the time available, water, and the proper shoes for a steep hike, you can hike down to Pololu black sand beach. (Don’t plan to swim here as the current is too dangerous.) You’ll need somewhere between 1 to 1.5 hours for the hike depending on how fit you are and much time you want to spend viewing the beach.

After viewing Pololu valley, follow Highway 270 back and stay on it past Hawi for a pleasant and somewhat dramatic drive from the lush windward side to the dry leeward side of the Kohala Coast. From here, you can drive back to Kona following Highway 270 to 19.

So, I’ve now covered the main sights I’d highly recommend that you see. Since I don’t know how much time you specifically have available, I’ll suggest these other places to see on your way back to Kona if you have the time.

• You could see the craft and art shops in Hawi.
• You could see Lapakahi State Historical Park for to learn about ancient Hawaiian life.
• You could have a walk around the beautiful grounds of the Mauna Lani resort to see the shark pond, petroglyphs and fishponds. There’s a lovely shoreline path that goes between the Mauna Lani and the Fairmont. I’ve taken some great photos there.
• You could stop off at one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, Hapuna Beach State Recreational Park.

You could more than fill a day with all these suggestions. So, make sure you allow plenty of time to return your rental car and either catch your plane or cruise ship.

Some tips for your day:

• Bring a light jacket and/or rain poncho. The weather in the upcountry can be about 10 to 15 degrees cooler.
• Be sure and pick up the free maps they give you at the rental car desk. If possible, buy a proper map of the island before you go on vacation. The rental car maps can sometimes be difficult to follow as the maps are scattered over several pages.
• Always lock your car doors when you leave the car.
• Plan restroom stops wisely. You’ll find restroom facilities at the Waipio Valley lookout, but not at the Pololu Valley lookout.
• There are some nice little restaurants in Waimea, Honokaa, Hawi, Kawaihae (near intersection of highways 19 and 270) for lunch. (See this link for more on Big Island restaurants.)

So, these are my suggestions for what to see from the Kona side in one day. Have you seen these sights? Do you think they’re worthy seeing on the one day visit?

Excellent Hawaii travel deals are popping out all over the place. Some deals that were advertised a month or so ago, have become even better. For example, the ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel deal listed below is better than this one I posted just over two months ago. With deals like these, it’s a great time to go to Hawaii!

ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel on Oahu
The Deal: Every Third Night Free
Why I like this deal: Whoa! Buy two nights and stay one night for free or buy four nights and stay for six! This offer includes free daily breakfast on Waikiki Beach. You’ll also receive a coupon book for 2 for 1 luau tickets and other discounts.
Offer Valid Through: Book now through December 25, 2008 for stays from August 25th - December 25th. Blackout dates are December 11th - 14th.
Special Rate Code: The booking engine should automatically issue each third night free. If you have an issue, you can call 1-800-514-1969. Note that this special rate hasn’t even been advertised yet, so you’re getting a sneak peek now.
For More Information: See this link for more on ResortQuest Waikiki Beach.

Waikoloa Beach Marriott on the Big Island
The Deal: Rates starting at $209 per night
Why I like this deal: Rates are advertised at 20% off during peak summer travel. Waikoloa Beach Resort is a great base for a Hawaii vacation. There’s great golf, restaurants and shopping all within walking distance at this Kohala Coast resort. This Marriott is set back from one of the best beaches on the Big Island, Anaehoomalu Beach (also known as A-bay). This hotel has recently completed a $40 million dollar renovation. The decor is quite sophisticated without feeling pretentious.
Offer Valid Through: For stays through September 6th, 2008
Special Rate Code: None specified
For More Information: See this link

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So, these were some of the special offers that have especially caught my eye. If you’re searching for more great rates, don’t forget to check out all the deals that the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau have arranged with several top travel partners.

We always make plans to go to Mama’s Fish House when we’re on Maui.  The Hawaiian regional cuisine is excellent and the beach front open air-atmosphere is a pure delight. 

Mama’s Fish House serves fresh fish caught in Hawaii’s clean waters.  Most of the fish is caught around Maui.  How do I know this?  Their menu usually states who caught the fish and where.  For example when we were there last, the Ono was caught by Willy Polendey while “Trolling the coast of Kaua near Mama’s”.  The Mahimahi was caught by Alan Cadiz along the north shore of Maui and the deep-water Ahi was caught aboard the fishing vessel “Ao Shibi Go”.  That’s quite a bit of detail showing how much care is taken in the selection of their fish.

The menu changes daily.  Main courses range in price from $34 to $115.  Most dishes are in the $36 to $42 range.  In addition to fresh fish, you’ll also find duck, pork, and beef on the menu.

The restaurant is located just north of the quaint town of Paia on the northeastern side of Maui.  The restaurant is just feet from a sandy beach.  For me, it’s been impossible to resist wanting to walk along the beach before or after dinner.  It’s lovely there any time of the day, even after dark when the tiki torches are lit. 

If you’d like to try Mama’s Fish House, here are some tips:

• Make reservations (808-579-8488) as far in advance as possible. The restaurant is open from 11am - 9:30pm.
• This restaurant is very popular and for this reason, I like to reserve a dinner table for either very early in the evening, say around 5pm or later in the evening, say around 8:30pm.  You’ll have a bit more elbow room and relaxed pace by dining earlier or later.
• It’s really easy for your eyes to get bigger than your stomach here.  Portions are quite generous.  You may want to skip appetizers and if you have any room left after your main course, order a dessert.
• Be aware that valet parking here is basically mandatory, which is a bit overkill considering the parking spaces are literally just a few feet away from the valet stand.  (We avoid valets like the plague after Breakfast Lunch and Crab in Honolulu dented our rental car and wouldn’t take responsibility for it.)
• Read what TripAdvisor members have to say about Mama’s Fish House. 

Want more Maui restaurant suggestions?  Click here for a useful guide for finding other great Maui restaurants.

Have you been to Mama’s Fish House?  What did you think?

The islands of Hawaii have some fantastic fourth of July events planned for 2008. Here’s some of what’s going on:

On Oahu

July 3rd - Pre-Independence Day Celebration: Aloha Tower Marketplace will be the host of a pre-independence day celebration filled with a fabulous fireworks display over Honolulu Harbor at 9pm. The free event includes live entertainment on multiple stages, a fashion show with top Hawaii models, face & hair painting, a balloon artist, and many strolling entertainers throughout the entire marketplace. These events start at 5pm.

July 4th - Ala Moana Forth of July Fireworks & Concert: Full lineup of live entertainment, games and fun, followed by a fireworks extravaganza that’s the biggest in the state. For more information see this link

July 4th - Independence Day at Maunalua Bay: Entertainment will fill the day from 2pm, leading up to a spectacular fireworks display from a barge in Maunalua Bay at 8pm. For more information on this inaugural even for this area of East Honolulu, see this link.

July 4th - 6th - 19th Annual BayFest will be held at the Marine Corps Base in Kaneohe Bay. The public is welcome to enjoy music from various national and local acts, carnival rides and games, great food, exhibits, and fireworks. Admission is required. Proceeds enhance the quality of life for the Marines, Sailors and family members stationed aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii. For more information see this link.

July 4th - Kailua 4th of July Parade, Festival, and Fireworks: For more information, see this link.

July 4th - On Oahu’s North Shore, Turtle Bay Resort Family Day and Fireworks.

On the Big Island

July 4th - 13th Annual Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade & Fireworks: The parade starts at 5:30pm at Kona’s Kekuaokalani Gym on Kuakini and winding down Palani Road and then South along Alii Drive to Coconut Grove Marketplace. Entertainment at Coconut Grove, then fireworks at 8pm! All free to the public. Visitors are encouraged to wear patriotic colors.

July 4th - Hilo Fireworks: There will be evening fireworks displays at 3 spots in Hilo: on and along the Bayfront Highway and beach area; the soccer fields along Kamehameha Avenue; & Queen Liliuokalani Park. Call Roxie Waltjen, County of Hawaii, Dept. Parks & Recreation, Culture & The Arts for more information at (808) 961-8706. (Per KonaWeb and Cheryl.)

July 4th - 17th Annual Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race & 4th of July Extravaganza: A fundraiser for United Cerebral Palsy of Hawaii, the fun-filled event will feature the always wild and wacky rubber duckie race, great live entertainment, and lots of exciting activities, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over Kings’ Lake. The even starts at 10am and goes through 9:30pm. For more information, call (808) 886-8811.

July 4th - Turtle Independence Day at the Mauna Lani: This is a different take on independence day. A turtle will be released from the shore fronting the hotel. This is a morning event going from 8:30am - 11:30am. For more details, see this link

On Maui

4th of July in Lahaina: Fireworks are scheduled for 8pm. The fireworks display will be over the ocean in historic Lahaina Town. The 4th of July in Lahaina is a free family event for all and it even includes a concert from 6:00 to 8:00pm on the makai library lawn. Note that some tour companies are providing special 4th of July fireworks excursions to watch the fireworks from the water. For example, see this one from Trilogy.

On Kauai

July 4th - 19th Annual Concert in the Sky: This event in Lihue at the Vidinha Soccer Field starts at 2pm with entertainment, games, and food. A modest admission fee is required with proceeds benefiting Kauai Hospice.

Photo credit to sunsurfr by Creative Commons.

• Kiplinger has listed the 30 best travel sites for finding travel bargains and good values.
• Are you planning a vacation to Maui’s Kaanapali area? Then you’ll enjoy Kris’ Kaanapali Dreamin’ site and blog.
• The Chicago Tribune has a nice article on Oahu’s wilder side with some tips for planning adventure into your vacation.
• Where will you find the best summer beach vacation deals? Orbitz says Kauai is a top five bargain destination for July and August because it will cost you between 14% and 21% less this year compared to the same period last year.
• There’s a cool Vegas style grand production coming to Hawaii this summer, with previews shows beginning July 8th. The new show will be similar to Cirque Du Soleil. It’s called Waikiki Nei and it’s about the history of Waikiki. KGMB has a great video about it. (Mahalo to my friend Dave for the tip.)